Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Celestial Events Liven Up Sky This Week

Zlatica Hoke

   If life on Earth has become tedious with coronavirus restrictions,
   celestial activity this week promises some excitement. In addition to
   an ongoing meteor shower, the year's last supermoon is out and will be
   seen at its best Thursday.

   The annual Halley's Comet meteor shower peaked Monday, but the meteor
   streaks will still be visible in the sky by the end of the week. The
   world's best-known comet produces a meteor shower, officially known as
   Eta Aquariids, which can be seen once a year in the spring when the
   Earth crosses the comet's path.

   Halley's Comet is the best known because it can be seen with the naked
   eye as it passes by periodically. It was first noticed more than 2,000
   years ago. Astronomers have observed and documented its appearances,
   which has helped them understand comets in general. The comet was named
   after 17th-century British astronomer Edmond Halley, who computed the
   rate of its movement from his 1682 observations and predicted that it
   would reappear in 1758, long after his death.

   Halley's Comet shower is the most spectacular for viewers in the
   southern hemisphere. It is best seen from Australia, New Zealand,
   Africa and South America, where gazers may see as many as 40 "falling
   stars" in the sky. But northern viewers can admire the radiant show
   above the horizon in predawn hours, away from city lights or moonlight.

   Supermoon

   This year the comet shower coincides with the last supermoon of the
   year 2020. A supermoon is a full moon that appears bigger and brighter
   when it gets closest to the Earth in its orbit. The May supermoon will
   be seen at its fullest and brightest Thursday, but it will be bright
   enough Tuesday to outshine the comet's performance.

.